Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Helen Coffey

The great friendship recession: Why we have fewer friends and why it matters

It’s an undeniable fact: the human race has never been so connected. Want to get in touch with someone? The main hurdle is picking from the veritable smorgasbord of communication tools at your disposal: Will you use Instagram, X or TikTok DM; text; Facebook Instant Messenger; WhatsApp; FaceTime; email; Snapchat; Zoom; Microsoft Teams; Google Meet; Slack? Or, if you want to go really old school, you could (gasp) call them on the phone. Decisions, decisions!

And yet, despite this ability to contact anyone we’ve ever met in less time than it takes to make a Pot Noodle, friendships seem to be on the wane.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.